MULITMEDIA: Lion Park dispels myth

Lion Park says its doors are open for the public to view their animal transfer records. See previous story on the protest on 21 March.

During a visit to the Lion Park, the rumours of its involvement in the canned lion hunting industry were dispelled. Co-manager André Lacock explained the rigorous process the Lion Park goes through before donating or moving a lion. “Before we move or donate any lion or animal, the place has to have a signed permit from the government. They must also have an affidavit stating that they do not support the canned lion industry. We also visit most of the places to do an onsite inspection,” said Lacock. The multiple pages of forms and clearance certificates that compile one transfer script are in the possession of the Randburg Sun Roodepoort Northsider.

According to Lacock, all of the lions are microchipped. “This allows us to monitor any lion from any reserve, zoo or farm they have been moved to – including inside our park itself,” he added. The Lion Park never sells their animals –they only donate them to trustworthy and reputable zoos or game parks, explained said Lacock.

When addressing the rumours of canned lion hunting, Lacock explained that during the ’90s the park was under different management. “The paperwork and documentation during that time was not completed and we therefore cannot track much of the movements of the animals.” Now, under new management for the past two years, the Lion Park has kept a well documented record of every donated animal, the animals’ feeding history (what they were fed, how much and if they received any additional medication or supplements.)

According to Lacock, breeding of the lions is controlled by inserting a South African Veterinary Council (SAVA) certified device under the lionesses’ skin. This works much like the human female contraceptive – it is genetically modified from species to species to avoid hormone disruption. Strict family trees are kept of all the animals to avoid interbreeding.

There are currently about 75 lions at the park. They are fed meat once to twice a week with watering holes in every camp. The camps house one pride each with five to seven lions in each pride. Lacock addressed the concern of wild animals in captivity. “The lions live much longer in the park; they are completely healthy – free of any diseases. The lions do not have to fight for their food.” He further added, “We are very passionate about monitoring our lions to make sure they are not in distress. The cubs are rotated regularly in the cub-interaction camp so that they are rested and happy,” said Lacock.

Assistant operations manager Scott Simpson said, “The Lion Park has and always will stand firmly against the canned lion hunting industry.”

Listen further to his comments on the matter:

Details: Lion Park, 087 15O O1OO .